Koh Lanta cover image
Koh Lanta cover image

Koh Lanta

Why visit Koh Lanta

These islands lay on the edge of the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of Thailand. Koh Lanta as a district was established in 1901 consisting of four island groups known as Mu Koh Lanta, Mu Ko Klang, Mu Ko Rok and Mu Ko Ngai and is believed by many to be one of the oldest known communities in Thailand.

Even though the origin of the name of the islands are not entirely clear, the name was made official in 1917 derived from the Javanese word “Lantas” which actually means a type of grill for fish.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park was established in the year 1990 and was named the 62nd national park of Thailand, takes up 134 km2 of the district and is definitely worth a visit.

There is a mixture of cultures in the areas in and around Koh Lanta as well as Krabi. A mixture of Buddhists, Muslims, Sea Gypsies and Thai -Chinese creates a variety to enjoy especially since there is no religious tension in the area despite the differences. In fact, since there are so many different cultures, there is almost always something to celebrate which makes it an excellent destination to learn about new cultures.

once upon a time on Koh Lanta

once upon a time on Koh Lanta

Travelling to Koh Lanta

There are a few airports that are close to Koh Lanta. The closest would be Krabi which is 10 kilometres away and serves international destinations. Trains also run from Bangkok to Trang Province south of Krabi.

There are daily ferries and speed boats between Koh Lanta and Krabi, as well as other neighbouring destinations such as Phi Phi, Phuket and Railay.

From Krabi, Koh Lanta is actually accessible by car ferry from November to April, and another option is a private transfer from Krabi Airport, either to the pier in Krabi Town or in Ao Nang. Boats leave from Krabi Passenger Pier (Krabi Town) approximately every 2 hours. Ferries also leave from Nopparat Thara pier and Railay West / Tonsai beach with a journey time of 2 hours 15 mins.

From Phuket, ferries operate between Rassada Pier and Koh Lanta, but they usually stop at Ton Sai Pier in Koh Phi Phi, Ao Nang, or Railay beach, so the trip to/from Phuket can take up to 4 hours.

A speed boat from Ko Phi Phi to Ko Lanta takes 70 minutes.

Some of the routes and journey times are below, although there are many others that can be searched for through our site.

Secret beach Koh Lanta

Secret beach Koh Lanta

Traveling To Koh Lanta:

Phuket (Rassada Pier) — Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) 2h (1 Stop)

Phuket (A Po Pier) — Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) 1h45

Phuket (Rassada Pier) — Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) going to Mook Island 1h15 (1 Stop)

Krabi, (Klong Jilad Pier) — Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) 1h (1 Stop)

Langkawi, Malaysia — Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) 5h30

Lipe Island — Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) 3h

Lipe Island — Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) going to Phuket, Rassada Pier 4h 

 

Traveling From Koh Lanta:

Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) — Langkawi, Malaysia 8h (1 Stop) 

Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) — Koh Lipe (Platform) 5h15m (7 Stops)

Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) — Mook Island (Koh Mook Pier) 3h (2 Stops)

Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) — Phuket (Rassada Pier) 3h (1 Stop)

Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) — Phuket (Rassada Pier) 1h45m

Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) — Phuket (Ao Po Pier) 2h30m 

Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) — Krabi (Klong Jilad Pier) 1h30m

Pimalai resort

Pimalai resort

Strand Nui Bay Beach

Strand Nui Bay Beach

snorkeling trip

snorkeling trip